A delegate from typhoon-hit Philippines has demanded that ministers at the United Nations climate talks put aside their political differences and take bold steps to combat global warming.

The emotional appeal by Naderev Sano sparked a rousing ovation from fellow delegates at the conference in the Qatari capital on Thursday.

It comes as activists and other ministers fear that nothing significant will come out of the talks, which end Friday in Doha. Rich and poor countries are feuding over financing to help the poorest cope with climate change and commitments from rich countries to tackle emissions in the next few years.

Sano says countries are hiding behind their own national interest while his country "was suffering" from Typhoon Bopha that killed more than 350 people and left nearly 400 missing.